Our Garden - Our Future

In a world of uncertainy and rapid change, the Garden seeks to preserve and enchance our horticultural and social landscape for the benefit of future generations.

Over the past few months, we've begun to think of the Garden as a conduit of healing, unity, and inclusion. We've begun to challenge the traditional perception of what it means to be "just" a public garden. We've begun to see the real and full potential of who we are –– a great leveler, an equalizer –– a place defined not by its walls, but by its ability to build bridges. To empower our community to grow stronger, healthier, and happier –– together.

Never has it been more evident that we live in a divided time. Our fellow citizens have spoken, and they've told us they're not happy with the way things have been. Whether they made the best choice to lead us forward depends on your point of view, but never has it been more clear to me how important it is for us to be the absolutebest at what we do.

Gardens, and most importantly, gardeners, have incredible potential to heal, rejuvenate, adapt, and thrive, even in the most abject conditions. Nature is a formidable partner, one we will leverage to make our community –– and our world –– a better place. I want you all to appreciate the immense power and influence we embody as a cultural organization and public garden. We communicate unity, love, and patience through our relationship with the land, and we cannot underestimate the importance of our role in the transformational years to come. President Obama said it best: one way or another, the sun will rise tomorrow.

I am truly grateful to be in a position to work with so many highly invested, passionate, and deeply loving people. This wasn't the job I signed up for 19 months ago. It's become so much more, and in a very short time. Without your support, your partnership, and your investment in our shared potential, we would be nowhere.

It's because of you that we've already achieved so much, and it's because of you we'll achieve even more in the years to come.

We'll become something no one expected us to be. We'll make the world a better place through a community of passionate, informed, and invested gardeners that believe in their potential to influence and enact real and positive change in our communities.

Thank you for everything. It truly won't be possible without you.

Now, let's get to work.

With Gratitude, Ben

The Allen Centennial Garden and its programs are funded entirely through private support - it receives no state or tuition dollars. To help support the Garden and continue to make our projects and programs possible, please consider a donation.